Tajikistan is dominated by the Pamir Mountains, which
lie in their east. Beyond this though, there are various other mountain ranges running
throughout the country. In the country's north is the Fergana Valley, which
is the most fertile and livable region in the country.

Weather

Tajikistan has temperature and weather extremes in just
about every direction. Winters in the mountains only average about 0° F (-17° C),
while the southwestern desert is generally much warmer. The heavily populated Fergana
Valley averages about 32-38° F (0-3° C) during these winter months of November to
February. Winters also tend to get a fair amount of rain and snow, at least relative
to the other Central Asian countries, which are primarily desert. Summers get hot
in the valleys, but not unbearably and the mountains are quite nice during this
season. In the desert temperatures average 81° F (27° C) with summer days getting
much hotter, the average in the valleys is about 72-86° F (22-30° C), and the average
temperature in the Pamir Mountains is a cool 50° F (10° C) or lower. The springs
and falls (autumns) shift between these two extremes and can be less predictable.

Despite Tajikistan's small size, the country has
impressive wildlife diversity. In the high mountains a number of animals, primarily
birds and mammals find a home. Among the mammals, both in and out of the mountains
are marmots, goats, bears, foxes, boars, antelopes, and ibex. Sea life is less diverse
as the land-locked country only has these animals in their lakes and rivers and
these fish are limited to fresh water species like carp, trout, and bream.

The bird life in the country is quite impressive, although many of these birds only
pass through on their migratory routes. Among them are vultures, owls, hawks, eagles,
geese, swans, and partridges. The amphibian and reptilian life is quite limited
as lizards, turtles, snakes are the most common. There are many other animals like
insects, scorpions, and spiders.